Balloon catheter dilatation for frontal sinus ostium stenosis in the office setting.

Background: Frontal sinus ostium stenosis (FSOS) is problematic even for expert surgeons. Balloon catheter (BC) technology has been recently introduced to rhinology. The aim of this study is to assess technical feasibility and effectiveness of BC dilatation of FSOS in the office setting.

Methods: This retrospective, multi-institutional case series describes all patients who underwent BC dilatation of FSOS in the office setting in the year ending December 31, 2007.

Results: Six adult patients underwent a total of seven BC dilatations of FSOS in the clinical setting. The pretreatment ostium size was 1-2 mm. Four of the dilatations were performed with a 5-mm lacrimal BC (LacriCATH, Quest Medical, Allen, TX) and three dilatations were executed with a 7-mm sinus BC (SinuCATH, Quest Medical). All procedures were performed using topical anesthesia only. No complications occurred. Five of the six dilated FSOS dilatations were deemed successful after one BC dilatation. One ostium contracted >50% and required repeat BC dilatation. All ostia have remained patent with a follow-up range of 4-9 months. No subject has required formal surgical revision.

Conclusion: This preliminary report describes BC of FSOS in the office setting. The technique may serve as a safe and feasible alternative, potentially avoiding formal revision sinus surgery in select patients.